MAYOR PEREZ SUPPORTS FEASIBILITY STUDY

 FOR NEW MULTIPURPOSE ARENA

 IN DOWNTOWN HARTFORD 

 

---NEWS RELEASE---

 

(March 13, 2007)--- Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez stands in strong solidarity with Speaker of the House James Amann (D-118^th District) in favor of H.B. 7303, a bill that calls for a feasibility study to construct a new arena in the Capital City.

 

Mayor Perez testified today before the Commerce Committee at the Legislative Office Building.  He told the committee that building a new professional arena in Hartford is the first step to bringing a professional sports franchise back to the state.

 

Mayor Perez says, “Hartford has gone through a massive $2 billion redevelopment and has seen an unprecedented revitalization.  81 restaurants and cafes have opened in the last two years and more than one thousand new units of housing have been built within walking distance of the future location of a new arena.  A professional franchise would be a crowning achievement of this recent success and the rebirth of the City and the region.”

 

A recent study shows that Hartford is one of the top three markets in the country that could support adding a professional sports franchise.  23 million people live within a two and a half hour drive of Connecticut’s Capital City. 

 

Mayor Perez believes that H.B. 7303 will complement or even augment actions that the City of Hartford is taking--- where a planning study for a new arena is already underway.

 

Mayor Perez’s testimony comes one day after his State of the City Address where he stated his support of a new, multipurpose arena to create jobs, attract more visitors, stimulate the economy, and keep Hartford’s positive momentum going.